Didier Benderli

Pavillon de la Reine is the true definition of a hidden gem, with all of the romance and charm that you could hope for during a stay in Paris.

We stayed at Pavillon de la Reine for my birthday trip to Paris and it was the perfect base for a memorable, luxurious stay in the heart of stylish Paris. A few years ago, we visited its sister hotel Pavillon des Lettres in the 8th arrondissement and we were pleased to find a few similarities.

The Location

Housed in an 18th century mansion, Pavillon de la Reine is the only hotel on the historic Place des Vosges in the Marais. It’s discreetly nestled between typically Parisian restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, and the hotel itself is accessed through a private courtyard.

The exterior of Pavillon de la Reine is picture-perfect with ivy scaling the white facade, a chic outdoor terrace and a playful shiny red sumo wrestler (from one of the neighbouring art galleries) guarding the hotel.

Designed by Didier Benderli, the 54-room hotel has a historic feel with reproduction oil paintings and heavy fabrics, yet the contemporary design features make it fresh and up-to-date.

Arrival

The lobby scene is quietly busy with guests relaxing over a pot of Mariage Frères tea or a drink from the honesty bar in the two elegant, cosy lounges and outdoor terrace. We even spotted a legendary American actor conducting interviews in the lounge and enjoying the sun in garden during our stay.

Pavillon de la Reine has long been a favourite Paris address for privacy-conscious A-listers, as it’s very discreet and away from the paparazzi’s glare.

The reception staff are ever so friendly and efficient, plus the Golden Keys Concierge are on hand to assist with those hard to get restaurant reservations and share insider city tips.

The Suite

Our Junior Suite overlooking the pretty Japanese garden was very spacious and beautifully-designed in a contemporary style. It was decorated in a soft palette of cream, stone and oatmeal with mauve highlights and tactile felt adorns the walls. The luxurious, minimal design is unexpectedly modern yet homely and an interesting contrast to the grandeur of the public areas.

I liked that the original wooden beams in the room were preserved, yet painted dove grey to match the interiors.

The focal point of the fabulous living area is a comfy seating with a plush sofa, comfy armchairs and a low coffee table. There is also a writing desk for working and two large storage cupboards, one containing the minibar stocked with premium drinks and snacks.

A Welcome Treat

We were kindly welcomed with a splendid bottle of Chateau Le Jard Chatain Lalande de Pomerol 2011, a bottle of mineral water and a hand-written note from the General Manager.

The bedroom is chic and understated with the most heavenly king-size bed covered in sumptuous linen, a wall-mounted LCD TV and a large walk-in wardrobe, making it ideal for a long stay in Paris. Other features include powerful air-conditioning, an iPod docking station, free wifi and use of an iPad on request.

The Bathroom

Our mosaic-tiled bathroom was an absolutely dream – so spacious and well-designed. It includes a deep soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, vanity table, double sink, plenty of luxurious, extra long hotel branded towels, embroidered bathrobes and slippers.

Two sets of travel-inspired Molton Brown bathroom products were provided, alongside standard bathroom vanity essentials.

An extra feature that will reassure guests is that at night, the large metal gate at the entrance of the hotel is locked for security. Arriving back after an evening at the Crazy Horse, we simply pressed the bell and gave our name and room number to get in.

Turndown

Our room had been turned down for sleeping and on our bedside tables were adorable dark chocolates with an image of the hotel printed on top. That night, we had a fantastic sleep, thanks to the heavenly bed and the peacefulness of the inner courtyard.

Breakfast

In the morning, a buffet breakfast is served across the two refined ground-floor lounges. The breakfast is one of the best I’ve had in a Paris boutique hotel, offering an abundance of classic breakfast items done exceedingly well.

Hot breakfasts can be hit or miss in Paris, but I was delighted to start the day with seriously good scrambled eggs and lean smoked bacon with fresh baguette and French butter.

Also on offer are eggs cooked to order, delicious mini pastries, cereal, traditional French yoghurts, fruits and freshly-squeezed juices.

The whole breakfast experience is just perfect – the large tables are covered in white table clothes, seating is plush and comfy and the exquisite branded china plates and silver teapot add a finishing touch of luxury.

Eating Out

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but room service is available and there are so many good restaurants in the Marais to try. During our stay, we dined locally, having a boulangerie lunch at nearby Gerard Mulot, gourmet éclairs from L’Éclair de Genie and late-night steak and gratin dauphinoise at Cafe Hugo on the Place des Vosges.

For a spot of pampering, Pavillon de la Reine has a fantastic spa with a well-equipped gym, jacuzzi, steam room and two treatment rooms with treatments by Carita Paris. It’s a lovely addition to the hotel and perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the city.

Pavillon de la Reine is a very special place to stay in Paris and its impossible not to fall in love with its inspiring location and romantic atmosphere.

Stays at Pavillon de la Reine from 380 Euros per room per night, based on two sharing on a B&B basis. For more information and booking, visit: www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com

Chérie City was a guest of Pavillon de la Reine

All photos by Chérie City

On every trip to Paris, I always seem to gravitate to colette on the rue Saint-Honoré, the gourmet food emporiums of the Madeleine and the Palais de Tokyo, so where better to stay than the ultra chic 8th arrondissement.

The Pavillon des Lettres has been open for just over a month, so I was excited to be one of the first bloggers to ruffle up the pillows and make myself at home.

The Hotel

A stylish boutique hotel, the Pavillon des Lettres pays homage to literary greats and its historic location on a quiet street just steps away from the Élysée Palace makes it perfect for getting caught up in the romantic, epic tales of the past.

The Pavillon des Lettres is the sister hotel of the established and highly regarded Pavillon de la Reine in the Place des Vosges.

Designed in sumptuous colours and textures by Didier Benderli, the 26 guest rooms are dedicated to a different iconic writer, from A-Z. We stayed in La Fontaine, dedicated to the great poet of the 17th century – an edition of his collection of work, The Fables, was left on the desk for bedtime reading.

The Room

Our superior room was decorated in earthy, clay shades with luxurious touches – a croc effect silk throw and metallic headboard, fine patterned carpet and a soft velvet chair. The room is personalised with quotes from The Fables stencilled onto the painted canvas wall – a lovely touch.

The bed was heavenly and plush with luxurious linen, plump pillows and a hi-tech alarm clock, just in case you sleep a bit too soundly.

The hotel also offers a guests an iPad to use as a directory or for checking up on emails and Paris happenings (there is also complimentary wifi). It really improves the city experience when you can search for an exhibition or restaurant online and ask the Pavillon Concierge to help arrange a reservation.

The superior rooms are petite, like most in Paris, but the designer makes good use of the space and it feels cosy rather than restrictive. The only tiny improvement would be an electric socket close to a mirror, as styling my hair proved difficult (the bathroom only has a shaver plug).

The Bathroom

The bathroom door at the Pavillon des Lettres adheres to the new design trend of a glass door, making it almost part of the bedroom. Although this may not be to everyone’s taste, it adds a seductive edge to the bookish theme of the hotel.

Of course, there is a light curtain to draw across the door when occupied and the engraved inscription on the door continues the literary design. The toiletries were plentiful, generously sized and by Plantation London.

Breakfast

After a perfect, sound sleep we tore ourselves away from the cloud-like bed and got ready for a long, lazy and indulgent breakfast in the salon.

The buffet breakfast is small but perfectly formed and of exceptional quality. There is a selection of everything you might like for breakfast – scrambled eggs and streaky bacon, mini patisserie and baguette, cold meats, a cheese board, cereal, dried fruit, yoghurt and juices.

The breakfast staff were friendly and attentive and brought us a large silver jug of perfectly roasted coffee served with hot milk. Another treat to wake us up was the delicious, naturally sweet freshly squeezed orange juice – what better way to start the day!

The Pavillon des Lettres makes the most wonderful buttery and rich scrambled eggs with crispy bacon – the best I’ve ever had in Paris!

They have also paid close attention to detail with pleasing touches such as a cute little pot of Beurre d’Isigny and an exquisite box of Alain Milliat jam, marmalade and honey.

I also couldn’t help marvelling over the designer coffee pot and milk jug and the most lovely matte striped china – very chic.

The Salon

The salon is the heart of the hotel’s literary spirit and is perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city or for a pre-dinner apéritif.

Adding to the homely atmosphere is the honesty bar, where you can pour a drink and record it on a tab – an honourable, welcoming touch.

The open fire is so inviting that we almost considered ‘accidentally’ missing our Eurostar train home to sit curled up on the enveloping velvet seats with a book for just another day.

There is no shortage of reading material in the salon, as the Pavillon keep the tables stocked up with French and international newspapers, Madame Figaro and T- the New York Times Style Magazine.

There is no restaurant at the Pavillon des Lettres as such, but you can order room service if you’re intent on not leaving the warmth of the hotel.

The Pavillon des Lettres is an ideal city bolt-hole for couples looking for a privacy in a luxurious setting or solo business travellers who value a relaxed and homely hotel with character.

For a hotel in its early stage of opening, the Pavillon des Lettres already feels like an long-established residence and a part of the neighbourhood.

Its understated, warm atmosphere and refined central location make it a perfect choice for a very special, memorable stay in Paris.

Pavillon des Lettres, 12 rue des Saussaies, 75008 Paris.

Photos by Cherie City

* Cherie City was a guest of the Pavillon des Lettres.

Chérie City

A Luxury Stay at Pavillon de la Reine Paris

The Location

Arrival

The Suite

A Welcome Treat

The Bathroom

Turndown

Breakfast

Eating Out

A Great Stay at Pavillon des Lettres Paris

The Hotel

The Room

The Bathroom

Breakfast

The Salon